September 21, 2020 – The bottom of the Blue Lake in Imotski dried up at the end of August, which could only mean one thing – the traditional football match between the Vilenjaci (Elves) and Vukodlaci (Werewolves).
An Imotski tradition that has been held 15 times is a football match between the Elves and the Werewolves, played on the muddy bottom of the Blue Lake. While this spectacle is unique because of the makeshift football pitch, it is also special because there are no rules, and the result is always a draw, reports Dalmatinski Portal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=EyUyY9a5lsw
“It is a rivalry between those on the north and those on the east side of the lake. We Werewolves are charming people who would go to the other side of the lake and spend nights with fairies. After that, we didn’t want to be with our wives anymore, so the mothers-in-law came up with the idea of waiting for the full moon when the fairies bathe in the lake; they bought that water and gave it to their daughters-in-law to spray on their chests,” says the legend of the Werewolves, Petar Mustapic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=LDq9dfjBlco
When the rifle fired, the teams descended to the bottom of the lake—the Elves on one side, and Werewolves on the other. The Werewolves’ descent is accompanied by shouts and drums while they are greeted by the Elves with music and applause at the bottom. After presenting the teams, the mayor leads the kick-off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=Npi50lkou-w
Matches at the bottom of the Blue Lake have been played since the Second World War, and Sunday, this spectacle was held for the 15th time. Two halves of 30 minutes each are played, and the result is always a draw. Josko Mustapic explains why.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=XgGLCuWHqRw
“If the hated enemy won, there would be blood up to the knees, so this way, we both win,” he said.
Although they have no rules, that is no reason not to have a referee. And his job is particularly special – he hands out yellow cards that clearly say, ‘Ne seri’ and red cards that say, ‘Ne pizdi.’
The role of the referee was taken over by Postenjak, and for this occasion, they even had VAR.
The last time the game was played at the bottom of the Blue Lake was in 2017.
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